Loulé: «O Amante» is a new creation by Mákina de Cena that promises to surprise

The premiere of Mákina de Cena's latest creation is scheduled for June 9th, at Cerca do Convento Espírito Santo, in Loulé.

«The Lover», an unmissable classic by Harold Pinter, is the starting point for Mákina de Cena's new creation, which invites the viewer to immerse themselves in the married life of the couple Sara and Rodrigo: in their tensions and reflections of love and passion.

Operating in a dimension of strangeness and eventual modesty, the spectator- voyeur is invited to reflect on his own experiences and the state of his erotic-loving relationships.

This, which is the first creation signed by Carolina Santos in 2025 (which articulates the skills of staging, scenography and directing actors), explores the universe of Harold Pinter, in one of his most brutal and intimate plays: «The Lover».

José Leite and Marlene Barreto form the luxury duo that will bring to life the couple sculpted by Pinter and the cast is completed by Rafaella Ambrozio who also takes on the role of assistant director.

In this show, Mákina de Cena bets, «once again, on an atypical stage device – a transparent structure with two fronts – that invites the spectator to a voyeurism where whoever sees is also being seen, in an analogy to the exposure, whether consented or not, that increasingly characterizes our society».

«In this markedly technological world, the privacy of others interests us; the sexuality of others «is» our business.

Pinter's work, written in 1963, covers all this and much more: from gender roles to everyday loneliness and the role of sex in adult romantic relationships. The show explores a dark universe, about two people who get lost and find each other in an unusual way.

The presentation in a public space, in the heart of the city, of a work of this nature – almost erotic and purposefully disguised – is both provocative and risky.

In addition to decontextualizing the theater from its original building, this “boldness” aims to explore other dimensions of theatrical creation, of an alternative nature and with a theme little explored in “prime time”, as well as contributing to attracting new audiences and opening space for frank discussion about sexuality.

The show, for those over 16, will be on stage over four nights – from June 9th to 12th – at 9pm, at Cerca do Antigo Convento Espírito Santo.

Tickets for the sessions cost 5 euros and can be purchased at the Cineteatro Louletano ticket office or on the bol platform.

The play is co-produced by Cineteatro Louletano and Teatro do Eléctrico and in partnership with Mescla – Associação Cultural.